How to Stop False Alerts and Alarms with Your Cove System
A security system should provide confidence, not constant anxiety. If your Cove system is triggering false alerts or, even worse, false alarms, it's crucial to address the issue. Unwanted alarms can be stressful, disrupt your life, and may even lead to fines from local authorities.
This guide will help you understand the common causes of Cove false alerts and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to make your system more accurate and reliable.
Understanding the Difference: False Alerts vs. False Alarms
It's important to distinguish between the two:
- False Alert: A notification sent to your phone about a non-threatening event, such as a sensor being triggered by a pet or a shadow. This is an annoyance.
- False Alarm: The system's siren is triggered, and the professional monitoring centre is notified of a potential emergency. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
The causes are often the same, but the consequences of a false alarm are much greater.
Troubleshooting Cove False Alerts and Alarms
Let's dive into the solutions to calm your system down.
1. Correctly Place Your Motion Sensors
Improper placement is the leading cause of false alarms from motion sensors.
- Avoid Heat and Cold Sources: Do not place motion sensors pointing at or near air vents, radiators, space heaters, or windows that receive direct sunlight. The sensor detects rapid changes in temperature, and these sources can easily trigger it.
- Position Away From Movement: Keep sensors aimed away from objects that can move on their own, such as curtains near a vent, hanging plants, or even large balloons.
- Pet-Friendly Installation: Cove motion sensors are pet-tolerant, but not pet-immune. Install them at a height of 2.3 metres (7.5 feet). Avoid pointing them at furniture or stairs that your pets can climb on, as this elevates them into the sensor's primary detection zone.
2. Check Your Door and Window Sensors
A sensor that believes a door or window is open when it is closed is a common source of false alarms, especially when you arm the system.
- Check Alignment: The sensor and its corresponding magnet must be close to each other when the entry is closed. The gap should be less than 2 cm.
- Ensure They Are Secure: If a sensor or magnet is loose on a door that vibrates (e.g., due to wind or heavy traffic), the connection can be momentarily broken, triggering an alarm. Make sure both parts are firmly attached.
- Consider Frame Type: On some complex door or window frames, it can be difficult to get the alignment right. You may need to use brackets or spacers to ensure a proper fit.
3. Adjust Your Camera's Sensitivity
If you are getting false alerts from a Cove camera, you can fine-tune its settings.
- Open the Cove App: Log in and select the camera you wish to adjust.
- Go to Settings: Find the settings menu for that specific camera.
- Lower Motion Sensitivity: Find the sensitivity slider and reduce it from High to Medium or Low.
- Define Activity Zones: If your camera model supports it, draw activity zones to focus only on important areas. Exclude public footpaths, roads, and moving foliage from the monitored zone.
4. Understand Your Glass Break Sensors
These sensors work by detecting specific sound frequencies. However, very loud, sharp noises can sometimes trigger them.
- Placement: Install them on a wall or ceiling near the windows they are protecting.
- Avoid Loud Noises: Be mindful that loud sounds from a home theatre system, barking dogs, or dropping a set of keys near the sensor could potentially cause a false alarm. If this happens repeatedly, consider moving the sensor further from the source of the noise.
5. Use the System's Test Mode
Before making changes, it's a great idea to put your system in Test Mode. This allows you to open doors, walk past sensors, and test your setup without the risk of triggering a real alarm and dispatching emergency services.
- Access your Cove panel or app.
- Navigate to the system settings.
- Select "System Test" or "Test Mode."
- The system will guide you through testing each sensor. This is an excellent way to confirm if a specific sensor is too sensitive or poorly positioned.
By methodically checking your sensor placement and fine-tuning your system's settings, you can eliminate the vast majority of false alerts and alarms. This will restore your confidence in your Cove system as a reliable protector of your home.